Eight: Ultimatums

Day 56

Staying in the Cave of Hypnos proved to be a wise idea, indeed.

There was an elegant feast of ambrosia and nectar, presented by Morpheus, and the three of us ate and drank. It was nice to talk to someone who wasn't Hades, and I found myself liking Morpheus very much. He was a young deity, as I was, and I could relate to his tales of his duties to his father. I didn't speak much, though; I preferred to listen to Hades and Morpheus talk like old friends. I watched as a change came over Hades; he smiled and laughed, and seemed to be genuinely enjoying himself. It was a nice variation from his usually surly demeanor.

All in all, the meal was a pleasant one, and after dinner was perhaps even better. Morpheus showed us to our separate chambers so we could retire. I was awe-struck upon seeing mine: in the center of the carved room, there was a bed that resembled a shell. It was covered in silken blankets in soft hues of pink and blue, and it looked absolutely heavenly. I sank into it gratefully when Morpheus departed, able to sleep comfortably for one of the first times since I had arrived in the Underworld. After all, we were in the realm of the Lord of Sleep himself. No better rest could have been found in all of the world.

As such, I received absolutely no dreams. I had imagined I would, seeing as we were sleeping the realm of Morpheus himself, but it seemed as though he respectfully chose to remain away from our minds while we slept. It was comforting, and I was glad he had chosen to act that way. Although I had never needed sleep before, as most immortals don't, it really did feel quite refreshing to slip into nothingness, and take time away from the world I had come to know. It was brief reprieve, and I was extremely grateful for it the next morning.

I woke energized and feeling happier than I had in a long time. Despite my current predicament, the world seemed brighter, and I was filled with hope in a way that I hadn't been in weeks. I couldn't exactly say why my mood had improved; I had a feeling it had to do with the good night's rest. Whatever the reason, I quickly sprang from bed, and fetched my pack from the end of the bed. First, I was going to bathe. Then I was going to change into the other chiton I had thought to pack, wash the one I was currently wearing, and ask Hades when we might be leaving. Once we were on our way again, I could once more put some thought into running away, if only to give each of us time away from one another. Despite our journey taking a turn for the better, I still believed that a respite between the two of us would serve us well.

Clutching my pack tightly against my chest, I edged out of my bedchamber and into a dimly lit corridor of stone. The walls were smoothed by eons of erosion, and the plunking sound of dripping water echoed around me. I hesitantly followed the hall, keeping a careful eye on my bare feet. Just because I had slept comfortably didn't mean I was entirely at ease. Morpheus was kindly, but his subjects were not as welcoming; particularly Aergia.

The corridor opened up into a small circular antechamber that I recognized from the previous night. There were two separate paths I could take: one led to the hall where Hypnos slept in his elegant bed, and the other led to Morpheus' table, where we had dined. My original plan was to forego the dining chamber entirely, but the whisper of voices caught my attention. Curious, I crept closer, hovering just outside the archway.

The first voice I heard I immediately distinguished as Morpheus'. "…from my brothers, though I do not know if I can trust them with a matter as grave as this."

"What do they say?" A second voice asked, almost uneasily. My breath nearly caught; it was Hades.

"Phobetor came to me as a lion, and Phantasos… well, you know he prefers to be a gem. As a matter of fact, they are both here, though they remain far deeper in Father's cavern than others are allowed. They bring tidings, though I suppose they're more rumors than anything…" Morpheus trailed off, before asking, "Do you really wish to know? The news is dire."

"Isn't it always?" Hades sighed. "You are not the only one with troublesome brothers, old friend."

Hades sounded weary, and I bit my lip, wondering what could possible be vexing him this early in the day. Obviously it had something to do with his brothers, though if I had to guess, I would say it was a problem with Zeus rather than Poseidon. Zeus and Hades were well-known for their infamous arguments. Poseidon usually tried to keep himself away from trouble with his younger siblings.

Whatever the trouble was, I was about to find out. However, as I flattened myself against the stone wall, there was a sound from behind me - a throat being cleared. I wasn't sure who it would be, since Aergia was lurking outside, and Hypnos was sleeping. I swiveled, if only to discover who was standing behind me. When I did, I gasped aloud.

The spitting image of Hypnos was standing there, exactly alike in all characteristics but two: his hair was not nearly as fair as the Lord of Sleep; as a matter of fact, it was a burnished copper color that darkened to black at the roots. The second difference was the enormous pair of ebony wings spreading from his shoulders, and enveloping him like a cloak. The air around him was cold, and foul-smelling to the point where I needed to raise my arm to cover my nose. His red eyes were narrowed in hatred.

"And who dares to trespass in the hall of my brother, Sleep?" His wings snapped open, revealing his pale, nude body. Stretched wide, his wingspan was easily over forty feet; over twice that in the dark shadows that loomed behind him. I tried to take a step back, but found I couldn't; I was already pressed up against the wall. My knees wobbled with fear, as he lunged forward. "Who dares gaze upon the visage of Death?"

It took me a moment to realize he actually expected an answer. "P-Persephone," I stammered, "Daughter of Demeter."

"Ah," He hissed, his fingers curling into fists, "One of the fortunate that I may not touch! Why are you here, daughter of Demeter? What has brought you so far from your garish, sun-lit home?"

The sound of hurried footsteps came to me, then, and I nearly fainted with relief as Hades and Morpheus both rushed into the room. Morpheus stepped in front of me, holding his hands up to waylay Death, as Hades wrapped an arm around my shoulder and pulled me to his side.

"Cease this torment, Thanatos! These are esteemed guests of mine, and welcome in the home of my father!"

"Nephew," Thanatos spat, narrowing his eyes at Morpheus. "And what would you know of the whims of my brother? When he sleeps, does he whisper in your ear - or mine?"

Morpheus hesitated for all of one moment, and I could see the doubt that traveled across his face. It passed quickly, for he frowned and replied curtly, "I do not pretend to share the same bond with him as he does you, Thanatos. However, as his chief minister, I will not have you terrorizing those who stay here! If you have a purpose in being here, state it now. If not, begone from this place, and do not return until summoned by Hypnos!"

"Insolent wretch, I was summoned by Hypnos! I came as quickly as I could, before smelling unfamiliar scents in the air. They smelled of the overworld, and I was curious as to what trash you have filled this place with." Thanatos' eyes flicked over to me, before smugly landing back on his nephew. "A child goddess, Morpheus, one of those who walk in light. I expected more perhaps from you. Have you no pride?"

Morpheus gritted his teeth. "She is not my intended, but the Lord's here."

Thanatos gazed past Morpheus once more, back to Hades and I. He seemed to see the Lord of the Underworld for the first time. Surprisingly, he slowly lowered his wings, draping them back around his alabaster body. He took several steps back, so half of his form was hidden in shadow. One of his eyes still burned out of the dark at us; a seething odium swirled inside of it.

"Lord," He croaked, not bothering to bow or nod, "I have no qualms with you, nor with your brother, the sky-god. Take your betrothed and go, for I no longer wish to endure your presence."

I was shocked at his words. I knew he was more powerful than Hades, and I knew that without him, Hades would be the lord of nothing, but could he really talk to him that way? Could he really command him? All this time, I thought that Hades was in charge of everyone who was a part of his realm. That's when I realized: Death didn't stay in the Underworld. Perhaps he stopped by every now and again to visit his twin, like now, but he rarely stayed in one place for long. He traveled, sweeping through the night on his swift wings, always busy, and always watching. He was everywhere, much like Hypnos. For the mortals, there was no escaping him. The thought made me shiver, and Hades hugged me tighter to his chest.

Morpheus, however, cured any confusion I had over authority. "You are in no place to make demands. This realm is Hypnos', not yours. Now, I ask that you leave, so that my guests may carry out their stay in peace. Wait for my father in the cavern below, with my brothers. I will not ask you again."

Thanatos looked as if he was going to say something, to perhaps dispute Morpheus' claim. Instead, he stalked from the room in a rush of feathers, leaving several behind on the ground. I stared in wonderment as they dissolved into black ash, leaving a stain upon the stone floor. That was what Thanatos was; a stain on the world, but one that was necessary all the same.

Morpheus turned to us, shaking his head. "I am sorry about that. He does drop in unexpectedly, and I did not realize my father had summoned him." He looked to me, his eyes filled with concern. "Are you all right?"

I nodded. I didn't try to speak; my jaw was clenched too tightly.

Morpheus sighed. "Due to his sudden arrival, I am afraid that I am going to have to ask you to leave much sooner than I wished to. I am deeply sorry, friend."

"There is no need to apologize," Hades said, speaking for the first time in my presence. I felt the words rumble through his chest. "We understand. We will prepare ourselves, gather our things, and leave as soon as we are fit. Is that satisfactory?"

"Yes, of course. I seek only to keep trouble away from Hypnos' resting place. He gets ever so angry when he is unnecessarily disturbed."

"Well, we wouldn't want that." Hades looked down at me, at the pack clenched in my white-knuckle grip. "Had you already prepared to depart?"

I shook my head, finally unlocking my jaw. "No, I was… going to freshen up."

Hades looked over my head, back to Morpheus. "You had better take care of Thanatos. He could be getting unruly with your brothers. I'll get the two of us ready, and we'll see you when we're ready to leave."

Morpheus made a noise of agreement, before briskly striding out of the room. I listened to his footsteps fade, wondering why the pounding sound hadn't stopped. That was when I realized, it wasn't his footsteps I was hearing. He had departed, descending down into the blackest parts of the cave. No, what I was hearing was much closer than that.

I turned my head, shocked to find Hades' chest mere inches from my face. Momentarily stunned, I forgot the mysterious thumping sound, as my gaze drew upwards. He wore a stormy gray chiton, tied with a length of black rope. He was gazing down at me, but the expression on his face was difficult to read. It seemed like a mixture of elation and unease. His eyes were the usual black, but something had softened them. Something like…

"Are you well?" He asked quietly. I felt his breath tickle my hair. "You were shaking."

"He-he frightened me." I tried to smile, but I was sure it came out as a grimace instead. "I'm sorry, I was looking for a place where I might bathe, and then suddenly he was behind me, and I-I didn't know what to do. Why does he hate… everyone so much?" I had almost said me, but I realized it hadn't just been me. He acted as though he distinctly hated everyone but Hypnos.

"Who can tell? Some say he has no heart, and that he is ruthless. I don't know if I believe this or not."

"How could you not? You saw the way he acted right now! I think that, had Morpheus not intervened, he might have tried to-to-"

"Kill you?"

"Yes!" I paused. "Could he?"

"No. He is forbidden to."

"Praise Zeus."

Something flashed through Hades eyes, and he looked away. "Think, if you can, of what it must feel like to be him, beloved. Imagine for a moment the dark destiny that is his. Among the mortals, he is feared and hated. These are the only emotions he has come to recognize, other than sorrow surrounding his name. He doesn't know how to act any differently than how he has been perceived, and so he responds in kind, to mortal and immortal alike. He hates those around him, even if he does not understand why, and I believe his only pleasure is seeing the fear in others. However, I do not believe he was always this way. The endless seas of time have hardened him, and I believe he may be past the point of saving."

I pondered his words, wishing he wasn't right. To met out death to mortals would be a terrifying, lonely existence. They would curse him, revile him, and as Hades had said, hate him, as I was sure they had done for thousands of years. But it wasn't his fault. He was born with a predestined duty, and there was no way of escaping it, for his one true enemy was none other than himself.

I looked up at Hades, managing for one of the first times since I had arrived, to read the look in his inky black eyes. "You pity him."

"I understand him." I opened my mouth to ask what he meant by that, but he swiftly cut me off. "That, however, is beside the point. I was asking after your well-being."

"I'm fine," I responded quickly, wanting to get back to the conversation we had just been having. I knew he wanted to move on, but it seemed like I was finally pushing through the mist that surrounded Hades, and shockingly, I was curious to know what lay on the other side. "What did-"

"You said you wanted to bathe, did you not?" He frowned down his nose at me, and the message in his eyes was blatantly clear. Let it go.

I sighed. "Yes, I did. May I, before we go?"

The annoyance faded from Hades' face, replaced once more with unease. Why? What had him so on edge? That was when I heard the sound again, that loud thudding that seemed so near to me. Was Morpheus returning? Was Thanatos up to something dastardly? What was it?

It hit me like a summer wind, as I realized exactly where I was standing. Hades was holding me. Even after Thanatos had left, he had stayed beside me. His arm was still curled around my shoulders, and I was pressed to his chest. Undoubtedly, I then grasped the source of the mysterious sound. It was Hades' heartbeat; I could feel it against my arm, through his unusually warm skin. My gaze dropped to his chest, as the implications of the scene fell upon my shoulders.

Gently, I stepped away, pulling myself out of his arms. I shifted the pack in my arms, refusing to look at him. I was just scared, I told myself. It was nothing.

"Yes," Hades said suddenly. I looked at him sharply, momentarily forgetting that I had asked him a question. His face looked strained. "You may. The River Lethe shall serve that purpose. I will gather our supplies; you may come find me when you have finished."

"Thank you," I replied quietly, even as he began walking away.

Shaking my head, I left the antechamber, proceeding to the hall where Hypnos was sleeping. To my surprise, his ornate bed was empty, the blankets thrown back as if he had hastily awoken. It was strange, knowing that he was awake somewhere within the caverns. Would I see him? Would he be as terrifying as his brother? I hoped not. Suppressing a shiver, I stepped delicately over some stones, setting my pack down upon the stone floor. If I hurried, I could be finished before anyone came back.

Lethe rushed past me, looking dark and cold. I leaned forward over the water, to glimpse my reflection. The black waves of my hair were tangled, and I anxiously ran a hand through them, combing the snarls out with my fingers. When I had finished brushing the strands smooth, I began unclipping the brooches holding the shoulders of chiton…

As soon as he was sure that Persephone could no longer see him or hear him, Hades stopped short, and slumped against the wall beside him. He could hardly believe what had just transpired. For several moments, he had held her in his arms! He had wrapped one comforting arm around her, and had been the one she turned to for support. And she had questioned him, as if she were actually interested in what he had to say. Was it possible that she actually was interested? He could've answered her questions, but he did not want to ruin the moment. Even if she had pulled away, the two of them had made undeniable progress, and had come to a point where they were beginning to trust each other more. His head was still spinning. It seemed to Hades as if there were moments when she forgot who he was. This was beyond good; this was excellent! This meant she was growing used to the idea of living in the Underworld with him, and forgetting all of the terrible times that had begun their relationship. It meant she was adjusting to him, and that was the greatest revelation of all.

Perhaps there was hope, after all, he mused. Perhaps all was not lost for the two of them.

But it will be, if you let her bathe in Lethe. She will forget the last moment, and the feel of your arms around her. She will forget the way she smiled at you the previous night. She will forget everything.

Hades paused. Did he want that to happen? Yes, he could arrive at the precise moment when her mind became a blank slate, but could he fill in the blanks with lies? Could he do that, when it seemed they had come so far? To fill her head with ideas of romance and luxury would surely only… cheapen the true, indescribable feelings he had for her. And if they were doing so well, was her memory loss necessary? Guilt swiftly kicked him in the gut, and he grunted in pain. I cannot do this to her. More importantly, I cannot do this to us.

Hades shook his head, looking up at the stalactite-covered ceiling with a wry smile. "Fates, may you strike me down for my pathetic, overflowing heart; too often of late has it ruled my head."

There was no reply. He hadn't meant it, anyway. With a light sigh, Hades turned on his heel and hurried back to find Persephone, and stop her from making the biggest mistake of her immortal life.

I frowned as I fiddled with one of the brooches holding my chiton. It was stuck. I reached around it to unclasp it, when suddenly there was a rush of footsteps behind me, as if someone was running-

A hand closed over my mouth, as an arm wrapped around my waist and yanked me backwards. I shrieked, but the sound was muffled by the hand over my mouth. I beat at the arm of whoever had grabbed me, my fists pummeling his skin, but he didn't let go until I was several yards away from the river. I spun around as soon as the hands released me, my hair whirling about in a frenzy. My eyes nearly popped out of my head when I saw it was Hades.

"What are you doing?" I yelled, straightening my chiton, and shoving the newly tangled strands of hair back away from my face. "How dare you come up behind me and-and-rumple me! What is the matter with you?"

"Don't touch the water," He said urgently, taking a step closer to me. "Don't even go near it."

"What? Why not? You just said-"

"I don't care what I said earlier," His voice was rough, "Now I'm telling you to stay away from it." There was that look in his eyes again, that unease that I had seen before.

My anger cooled, as I glanced back over my shoulder at the river. Now, as I gazed upon it, a prickle of distrust crawled up my spine. What was wrong with it? Was it like the River Acheron? Would it ensnare my mind, and cause me more pain? Perhaps I should have thanked Hades. I didn't want to think of what would have happened, had I stepped into the rushing waters.

"Lethe," I said quietly, not facing him just yet, "What is it? What's in the water?"

"It is forgetfulness," Hades said softly. "It-I-" He took a deep breath. "I do not savor the thought of what would have happened to you, had I not intervened."

Forgetfulness. A dark torrent of water that would cleanse me of all my memories, of all the times I'd had with my mother, and of all the pain I'd faced with Hades. A bath that would've left me with nothing, as a blank shell of the girl I had once been. I wondered if Hades had meant for me to sink beneath the surface? Had he desired that I forget the life I had lived before him? I peered closely at him out of the corner of my eye; regret was as plain on his face as was his nose. He had stopped me. That had to count for something… right?

"Persephone, many events have transpired here in the Cave of Hypnos. I would prefer it if they remained off of your mind while we travel. I have no wish to repeat them, if only in my mind. Do you understand?"

He was asking me to forget what had happened here. I felt a sudden flash of anger. Well, if he wanted that, why didn't he just let me go in the river? While it hadn't all be a stroll through a meadow, it certainly hadn't been the nightmare he was making it out to be. What was going on inside of his head?

"I-"

"Do you understand?" Hades eyes bore straight through me, and I unsurely took a step back. He seemed to take that action as an affirmative, because he nodded curtly. "Good. Now, gather your things. We're leaving now. You can make do without a bath."

I stared at him. So many questions filled my mind, mostly about him. He claimed he loved me, but if he could not trust me with information, than how could his love be real? How could he truly feel for me, if he couldn't even bring himself to face my judgment? Instead of saying any of these things, I simply shook my head before slowly backing away, and returning to my pack. Silently, I picked it up, and held it against my chest, staring down into the river at the reflection of a girl I no longer recognized.

Kyrillos gazed sadly at Hecate, as she knelt down beside him. "Come now," She said gently, rubbing her hands over his ears. "It is a necessary action, my love. It must be done. We shall stay, and oversee the cleaning of the Hall, and she will do this honorable deed for me. There is no need to despair."

Kyrillos huffed out a sigh, before laying down at the goddess' feet, his face resting on his paws. His large brown eyes remained sad, though he looked as if he had given in.

"That's a good lad." Hecate stood and turned to the pretty female sitting proudly at her side. "Glykeria, my dear, I have an important quest for you." Hecate held up a scroll. "I need you to take this to Zeus. I would have Hermes do it, but as it is, I do not trust him. You, however, are faultless." Hecate tied the scroll to Glykeria's neck, patting her smooth white fur. "Your mate, Kyrillos, is not happy with me. However, we have no time to delay. Please return to us safely, for we would be saddened without your presence."

Glykeria slouched forward into a formal bow, before turning and scampering off as fast as she could down the steps of the Hades' Hall. Hecate watched her go, stooping down to pet Kyrillos.

"She will return," She said quietly. "Of this, I am certain. And though it burdens my heart to send such a message, someone must know what it is going on above in the Land of the Living. And if I must inform the God of Gods himself…" She stood up, her dark eyes resolute as they searched the bleak horizon. "Then so be it."

Zeus stared at the vellum in his hands, a deep frown set upon his face. His eyes scanned the words once more, and still, his expression did not change. There was utter silence in his all, as his attendants waited patiently for news of whatever word he had received. At first, they had whispered. After all, it was not everyday that a hound bearing a message scampered through the gilded doors of their Lord's hall. When the hound was recognized as being one of Hecate's cherished, there was even more talk, for everyone present knew Hecate was one of Zeus' favored ladies, and he would receive her message without delay. Now, however, it seemed as if the news boded ill for the God of the Sky, and so everyone had quieted, unwilling to risk his wrath.

Finally, Zeus rolled the scroll back up, handing it off to his wife, Hera. He emitted a heavy sigh, leaning forward in his great throne, resting his chin upon his fist. The hall was still silent, as Zeus remained lost in thought. The scowl still hung upon his brow; no one wanted to be the first to speak, and unleash whatever storm was brewing inside of him.

Hera was the first. Rather than reading the scroll herself, she merely kept it tightly in one hand, before stepping forward. "What news, my lord and husband?" She asked quietly. Her voice was soft, but the words held a deeper meaning than she let on. Her gray eyes were narrowed with contempt, making her face seem shrewd and sharp rather than calm and lovely. "How does Hecate of the hounds fare?"

"You need not be glib, wife. I know you care not for Hecate's well-being, and I know you still believe me to have bedded her." Zeus sat up straighter, glaring at his wife. "As often as I have told you that is untrue, you still do not believe me."

Hera sniffed imperiously. "Why else would you honor her so?"

Zeus' sharp gaze snapped to Hera, and he pointed one thick finger at her. "Mind your tone, wife! I need not explain my actions to anyone, least of all you!"

"My most sincere apologies, Lord," Hera replied immediately, bowing in a gesture of contrition. Her eyes, however, still burned with a defiant flame. "I am merely curious. I meant no offense to you, or… anyone else."

"Yes, yes." Zeus waved away his wife's apology, as if it meant nothing at all. Truly, it didn't, because he was certain that she didn't mean it. However, he didn't have time to dwell of Hera's petty jealousies of those women he chose to dote upon. Leaning upon the arm of his throne, he tapped one finger thoughtfully against his bearded chin. "Tell me, where is my daughter, Athena?"

"I am here, Father." Courtiers parted in the marble hall to make way for the goddess of wisdom. She stood proudly, wearing a snow-white peplos bound with a single bronze cord. Two bronze brooches were pinned at her shoulders. Upon her golden curls was a wreath of olive branches, carefully woven and secured. Her blue eyes were filled with wisdom and curiosity, as she humbly knelt before her father's throne.

"Rise, daughter," He waited until she did before continuing. His voice carried to the far corners of the hall, so that everyone present knew the situation: "I have just been sent word that things are not well below our mountain. Hecate, fortunate favorite of mine," he glanced sharply at Hera, "has given me grave news. Hades, elder brother of mine and Lord of the Underworld, has breeched the veil between his domain and mine, and has kidnapped Demeter's daughter Persephone. According to Hecate, Demeter's grief is so acute that she cannot fulfill her duties, and has let the earth fall into disrepair. I must now leave and resolve this matter." His eyes cut to Athena. "Wise daughter of mine, I leave you as my regent. Will you accept this duty?"

Athena nodded. "Gladly, my lord. I shall take up your mantle as soon as you depart. You will not be disappointed, Father."

Zeus smiled briefly. "Of that, I am sure. Be well in my absence, and do nothing that I would not." He stood, stepping down from his ornate throne, pausing only to kiss Hera on the cheek. She flinched when his lips brushed against his cheek, but otherwise did nothing. "Farewell, wife."

He strode away, his strong legs carrying him to the gargantuan doors that opened upon his elegant place of refuge. Courtiers bowed as he passed, but he paid them no mind. He was thinking only of one thing: the madness that surely had possessed Demeter. He could not fathom how she would shirk her duties to the mortal world, simply to bemoan the absence of her child. Frankly, it angered him. It was a blatant show of disrespect not only towards him, but towards Olympus itself. Staring ahead resolutely, he vowed to put an end to this nonsense as quickly as possible, so that the world - his world - might continue on as it had for eons.

Breezing through the doors, Zeus stood in the light of midday for a moment, before taking a deep breath. Shifting so he became an eagle, he took to the winds. He circled over the gods' peak before diving through the clouds, feeling out with his mind for Demeter. When he felt her presence, he nearly flinched. All he needed to do was follow the stench of the land's decay, and he would find her.

It didn't take long for him to spot her with his keen eyes. She was walking slowly through a field of gray, her head down. As he dived to meet her, an icy wind buffeted him, nearly blowing him off course. With a screech, he controlled the wind, sending it away from him. Furious at this turn of events, he began shifting back to his usual form before he had even landed, several feet above her, so he came crashing out of the sky.

Demeter shrieked, falling backwards in surprise. She held her hands up, as if to ward off a blow. When Zeus caught sight of her face, he curled his lip in disgust. Once, Demeter had been lovely. She had taken care of the land, and that showed in her body. She had been fruitful and rich, but now… she seemed to have wasted away. Her skin, which was normally a healthy gold, had faded to a wan white. There were dark circles beneath her eyes, and the auburn curls that coated her hair were limp and lank. She wore no circlet, and the bottom of her chiton was torn.

"Lord Zeus!" Demeter gasped, shifting so that she was kneeling at his feet. Without any preamble, she launched into a tearful recollection of what Hecate had told him in her message.

"I am aware of the situation," He remarked stiffly, nudging her away from him as gently as he could. "That is not why I have come. I have come to know precisely why you have given up on your duties."

Demeter sat up, wiping the tears from her cheeks. "My-my duties?"

"Yes, your duties. Where has the grain gone, Demeter? What of the mortals? Hecate has told me that many of them have died in your absence. Why would you punish them for something that is no fault of theirs?" Zeus kept to himself that often he had done the same thing, taking out his rage on the unsuspecting mortals that prayed to him. They weren't talking about his crimes, though. They were talking about hers.

"I…" She said nothing. She shook her head, clamping her lips shut, as more tears spilled down her cheeks.

"Look at this place!" Zeus roared, casting out one arm in a wide arc, gesturing to the land around them. "Everything around you dies! Where there was once color, there is nothing but despair! Control yourself, woman, or I will forcibly intervene."

"I apologize, O Lord," Demeter sniffled, "but I cannot resume what once gave me joy. Without my beloved daughter, there is no joy. I feel as if a piece of me has been taken as well. I need her back, Zeus. I need her returned to me, or there is no hope. I cannot carry on without her." Demeter buried her face in her hands, crying harder than ever.

Zeus made a face, stepping away from the messy goddess. He gazed out at the area around them, planting his hands on his hips. What could he do? There was only one solution, it seemed, to the problem before him. He would have to command Hades to release Persephone. Regardless if Hades was older, Zeus was still more powerful, and he was the King of Gods. His word was the ultimate, unflinching law. So I will demand that the girl be returned to her mother, he thought, and then Demeter will make things right again… won't she?

"Demeter," Zeus barked, turning around and facing her. "Get up. I will make you a solemn oath, here and now, that your daughter will be returned to you."

Demeter moved her hands away from her face, peering up at Zeus with watery, red eyes. "You will?"

"Provided you return to your duties as soon as she arrives. This cannot go on forever, do you understand? As soon as Persephone comes back, you must bring life back to the land."

"Oh, I swear it!" Demeter scrambled to her feet, brushing dirt from her knees. "I swear I shall do this, once Persephone is at my side again!"

Zeus reached out with his right hand. Demeter hesitantly stepped forward, clasping his forearm with her left hand. His fingers curled around her arm, and the two of them nodded to each other.

"I will immediately prepare for her swift return," Zeus said, releasing her and stepping backwards. "It will, however, take time. I will send word when she is to arrive. Is this agreeable?"

"Yes, Lord." Demeter bowed her head respectfully.

"Good," Zeus paused, "While you're waiting, clean yourself up. There is no reason for you to let your grief control you in such shameless ways."

Demeter frowned, looking down at herself, as if she was only just realizing the changes that she had gone through. "Of course."

Without another word, Zeus turned on his heel and stalked off through the dead grasses. Shrieking loudly, he shifted back into an eagle, and ascended into the sky. Rage ran through his veins as he swiftly made his way back to Olympus. The earth below him was brittle and bereft, and it was all Hades' fault. Why? He thought savagely, Why must he always do these things? Was this his idea of an assault against me and my domain? Why would he use the girl so, only to destroy my lands? Fool brother!

Zeus knew one thing was certain, as he soared on the winds: He would have Persephone returned to her mother, and Hades would pay for his direct insult to the Lord of all Gods.

Day 57

Hades looked up at me, where I was seated on the sagging back of the mule. It must've been the third time he'd done it in the past hour, let alone in the past day. We had left the Cave of Hypnos early in the morning, and had traveled north for several hours. Eventually, passing through the gray hills of the Underworld, we had come to the River Phlegethon, the river of fire. It was a wondrous-if not imposing-sight to behold. Waves of lava cascaded along the blackened, rocky banks, heading straight for the darkest part of the Underworld: the Pit of Tartarus. Every now and again, an arm or a torso was visible. Stretching from the flames would be a soul caught in agony, screaming for release from where it was headed. Hades paid them no mind, but the screams echoed in my head. I did not like this corner of the Underworld. If the shrieking souls of evil men weren't cause enough not to speak, I didn't know what else was.

Besides being angry with Hades, which I was. I hadn't said a single word since the two of us had left the Cave of Hypnos, and I wasn't planning on speaking anytime soon. He was just so infuriating. Not only had he tried to trick me, but he refused to tell me things, thing that I was certain I needed to know. Were the two of us in danger? Was there likely to be another creature that would threaten us, like Thanatos had? How long was this going to take? And what about all of that nonsense about Hades understanding the Lord of Death? All I wanted was perhaps an answer or two, so I didn't feel like I was entirely alone in the dark with no one but the maddening circle of questions in my head! Was that too much to ask of him?

The supremely irritating thing was that he didn't even realize I was mad at him. It had never occurred to him that I could be angry, for he didn't realize he'd done anything wrong. He thought that I was just going to sit here, and obey his wishes as if it was my place to do so. What he didn't realize was that it was not my place. I may have been his queen, but I was not his wife, and that did not give him lordship over me! I, too, was a sovereign, was I not? Did I not deserve to know what was happening in the land that I now owned a piece of, in title? He was sorely mistaken if he was under the impression that I was going to sit here, and let this miscommunication persist. I was tired of being weak and scared. When I actually thought about it, he was not as scary as he had first seemed. When he was angry, yes, he was frightening. The threat of his wrath, however, would no longer keep me from speaking my mind. More often than not, he was just a lonely, tired man, and therefore nothing for me to fear. If he was going to have a queen, he was going to have a queen, someone who was invested and dedicated and thoughtful, not some pretty doll that he could parade in front of his courtiers. I was tired of being the saintly, demure Persephone of Spring. That life had been taken from me, and it only made sense that I change myself to adapt to the new life that had taken hold. So, I decided that I was no longer going to sit calmly, and let him think he could dictate my life, when he had absolutely no claim to it whatsoever!

He looked at me again, and I nearly exploded. Finally, he spoke. He sounded friendly, and genuinely concerned. That just added fuel to the fire that was my anger. "You've been oddly quiet since we left, Persephone. Is something the matter?"

"No," I replied scathingly, "But even if something were wrong, I would not choose to share it with you. Does that bother you? Does it just gall you to know that there could be something wrong with me, but that I won't tell you about it?"

Hades frowned. "Well, clearly there is something wrong with you. What is it? Why are you acting this way?"

"Me? Why am I acting this way? Why are you?"

Hades halted the mule. He appeared to finally share my aggravation. "Acting in precisely what way?"

"This way!" Sliding inelegantly off the mule, I began walking away from him. I was tired. I was tired of the games we were playing with each other, and I just needed to get away from him. It didn't work, however, for he quickly abandoned the mule and caught up with my several feet away.

He grabbed my elbow, stopping me. "What manner of insanity has possessed you? Have I done something to offend you?"

"I wish the answer was that simple," I replied, shaking my head. "I need you to talk to me, Hades."

"Talk to you? We are talking."

I threw my hands up. "That is not what I mean!"

"Then what do you mean?" His voice grew louder, "For the love of the gods, girl, what are you trying to say?"

"You don't tell me anything! You just expect me to follow you blindly on this asinine quest! Well, I'm not doing it anymore. Until you tell me exactly what we may be walking into, and what dangers we may face, I'm not going another step." I looked him in the eye, trying to make him see. "If we cannot be honest and trust each other, then how we can we protect each other? How can we work together?"

"You don't trust me to begin with."

"Maybe I could," I said softly. The words came out, almost before I could stop them. The question I was faced with was did I actually want to stop them? Or did I want him to know what I was feeling? Things were changing between the two of us, and I wasn't sure if I liked it. Regardless, it left us with some decisions to make, and they certainly weren't easy. "Maybe if you would let me, I could."

"To what end?" He asked, his voice harsh. "How could you protect me? I am the Lord here. I don't need your protection."

My scowl deepened. "I am trying to make a valid point, and yet you still feel the need to refute everything I say. This is precisely what I'm talking about when I say you're acting awful."

"Awful? You think I'm awful?" Hades' eyes turned cold. "So the truth comes out."

"No, no, no," I shook my head wildly. "You are twisting my words to suit your own assumptions!" I widened my stance, planting my fists on my hips as I glared at him. "I do not understand you. One minute, you're soft-spoken, and I feel as though I'm getting to know you. In the next moment, you become an entirely different person! You're unresponsive, and you hide behind this mask of anger. In case you have forgotten, I am your queen, and I will not be treated in this manner!"

"If you truly believe you are queen, you would stop acting in this childish manner. Come; we are losing what little light there is left." With a note of finality, Hades began to turn away, pulling me back with him towards the mule.

I jerked my elbow out of his grip. "No!"

Hades slowly turned to face me, looking at his empty hand, and then up at me. He was stunned. "What?"

"I said no." I took a deep breath, and brought myself up to my full height. "I am queen here, and I know that must mean something. So I am respectfully declining."

He cocked an eyebrow. "Oh? And what makes you believe that, as queen, you have any say in what I do? I am the Lord of the this land; I am the authority here. If I tell you to do something, you do it! That's how it works around here!"

"Well, maybe things should change," I said through gritted teeth.

"And maybe you should be quiet," Hades snapped. "You may be queen, but that does not mean you may make demands, and it certainly doesn't mean that I am going to start justifying my actions to you."

"No!" I stomped one foot. "I am tired of this mysticism, Hades! I am tired of your foul moods, and your withholding of information! Tell me what is going on, or I swear, I will-I will-" I looked around, scrambling for an answer.

"You'll what?" His voice was mocking, and not for the first time was I overcome with the sharp desire to slap him. His lips twisted into a cruel mockery of a smile. "What will you do, fierce warrior of spring?"

"Why must you do that? Why must you remind me of the life that is no longer mine?"

Hades' eyes burned a deep ebony. "That life plagues me as often as it does you, though for different reasons."

I rolled my eyes. "Then at least we are matched in misery. Perhaps that is one thing, if not the only thing, that we have in common."

He didn't reply. I folded my arms over my chest, and stared hard at the ground. The air was hot and thick, and it was difficult to breathe freely. Ashes fell through the air like a fine rain, and I was forced to smear them off my skin again and again, ignoring the black smudges all over me. It didn't matter. What mattered was that the two of us were at an impasse, and I could see no way of it being resolved any time soon.

"Matched in misery," Hades mused thoughtfully. "I like that."

"I'm so happy that you approve, my lord," I snapped sarcastically, "I live to serve, after all."

"Stop it!" Hades whirled on me, his hair fanning out behind him like a dark flag. "What is it that you want from me, Persephone?"

"I want you to be honest with me!" I yelled. "Speak freely around me! Tell me what is happening! If you don't agree to this, then I will not move another step forward with you. You can continue on alone."

He barked out a laugh. "An ultimatum? My dear, empty threats are unbecoming. You wouldn't stay out here alone. You're afraid of the dark."

Heat rushed to my cheeks. "So?"

"So? This land is rife with trouble, Persephone. There are creatures that would make your skin crawl. You want me to be honest? Fine. I will do that. There are harpies, there are gorgons, there are demons," He began ticking them off on his fingers, frowning down at his hand in concentration, "I have met with the Furies here, I have met with Medusa, I have bought counsel from Lamia. There is a kraken in the lake, and a hydra over-"

Suddenly, something caught my attention. It was moving behind Hades, approaching the mule. It was twice Hades' height, and nearly as wide. It had powerful, muscled arms covered in thick brown fur, and an enormous head with horns twisting from the sides. It was nude from below the waist, but its fur covered it like clothing. Its legs were just as trunk-like as its arms, and I could see from where I stood the black hooves that should have been feet. Fear pierced my heart like a thrown spear.

"Minotaur," I said, my voice coming out as a whisper.

Hades looked up at me. "Yes, there are minotaurs."

"No, I mean, minotaur!" I screamed, pointing past him.

Hades spun. The minotaur had been in the process of reaching for the mule, but my scream had stopped it. It turned its head towards the two of us. Its red eyes fell on Hades and I, and I watched in horror as it shifted its entire body towards us, and began pawing at the ground with its hooves. It lowered its head, preparing to charge.

"You see?" Hades spoke loudly over his shoulder to me. "Now, this is exactly what I was talking about."

Sorry I've been gone for so long :/ I hope the length of this chapter makes up for it! Point out any mistakes you might see; I was kind of rushed for the last bit, and I didn't get a chance to look over it as thoroughly as I wanted to. I'm not feeling well right now, and I have a dinner to go to, so I sadly can't give it anymore time. I did, however, promise an update by the end of the month, and here it is! I'll try and work on the next chapter as often as I can, but I have a lot on my plate right now. Thank you for not giving up on me/this story! 3